Notes from the Editors

Janice Brown

Founder and Editorial Director

I recently caught a bit of a talk show focused on runway models being too thin. According to the program, a few European countries have begun to enforce weight limits for some fashion shows. Fortunately, this is not true in the pet world. My two big dogs, Maple and Luna, are both featured in this issue’s fall fashion spread, and you will see that they were politely matched with the “one size fits all” collar and leash sets. No luxurious cashmere sweaters, no inviting bath robes, and not one trendy trench coat to be seen.

To be fair, at last year’s shoot Maple did squeeze into a sweater, but was forced to hold her breath, as it was surely meant for a smaller dog. And Luna, designated a “plus size” model at the time, was immediately assigned to a dog bed. Though we don’t support airbrushing our models, I did overhear a discussion about Photoshopping the image to include more dog bed, less dog. (I put my foot down and demanded that we celebrate our pets in all of their glory!)

There is always a silver lining, however. After seeing herself in the pages of Tails, Luna agreed she needed to make a change. There was no starvation, no dangerous diets, and no obsessive-compulsive exercising involved thanks to my vet-friend Barbara. We began adding canned green beans to her meals, while simultaneously reducing her dry kibble and it was amazing. The pounds melted away.

But the truth remains that many of the latest fashion trends are geared to small dogs. In fact, with so many toy breeds and other “pocket” pets coming onto the scene, it seems that just like with women’s fashion, the clothes for dogs are shrinking. Is this a fad? Will designers ever begin sketching with bigger dogs in mind?

As anyone who reads Vogue or watches Project Runway knows, fashion is about more than just clothes. It is a reflection of our times, a snapshot in history, and a commentary on our society. So what exactly does a pair of $200 doggie boots and Swarovski crystal cat jewelry say about us as pet lovers? I am not exactly sure. However, with Pet Fashion Week wrapping up recently in New York, it is clear that the industry is booming.

Now get out there and indulge your pet—

Jason A. Heidemann

Managing Editor

I was out jogging on a beautiful Sunday afternoon not too long ago. On my route, I passed a woman who was walking her dog and I saw something that disturbed me—the dog’s balls!

I almost did a double take. I’m no expert, but this panting pooch looked like he was well into his adult years, which means one of a couple things: Either the dog has been neutered and his person has had him cosmetically outfitted with neuticles (fake testicles), or this pooch has not had surgery.

I suspect the latter is true. I don’t live in Beverly Hills or the Upper East Side of Manhattan so I don’t think cosmetic surgery is at work here, but I was also jogging through a solidly middle-class neighborhood and it surprises me that this woman didn’t have the good sense to have her dog neutered.

It’s true—I may be rushing to judgment. Perhaps the dog was younger than he appeared or perhaps his person is a responsible breeder, but my point remains the same: There are still people out there who continue to add to the pet overpopulation problem for no good reason.

This issue is devoted to style. It’s the one time of year we let loose and indulge in all that is frivolous in the pet kingdom, and we love it. If you want to perfume your Chihuahua in Chanel, we say go for it; if you’re Boxer looks good in Burberry, fine by us; and if you’re rescued kitty wants a little couture, we say give it to her.

But for heaven’s sake, please don’t contribute to pet overpopulation. You can have your cake and eat it, too, even if that means fitting Fido with neuticles (although we’ll still love him either way). Have fun with your pets. Pamper them, dress them up, and let your friends and neighbors lavish them with attention, but be responsible at the same time. You’ll be doing yourself and your community a favor.

Stylishly yours—